𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕕 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕥

150

Neha's substitute
>>>>———— ♥️ ————<<<<

Karthik sat on his bed, his face propped on his hand as he stared at the door, waiting for Neha's arrival. The nurse who came in the morning to help bathe him had mentioned that Neha might not come today, but somehow, Karthik felt she would. He didn't have the maturity to understand why he had that instinct, but it was there, lingering in his heart.

The previous night, Keerthi had filled in for Neha, and while it wasn't too bad, Karthik couldn't shake his skepticism. His parents had always warned him to be wary of strangers, and even though they were no longer with him, he knew he needed to be careful about who he trusted. He had decided to take his time in evaluating who could be trusted and who couldn't. So far, only Neha had earned that trust—with her comforting food and painless injections.

But as time passed, Karthik's concern began to grow. Maybe she wasn't coming after all? After all, this was just a job for her, and he was just another patient. Why would anyone go out of their way for him? By the time lunch arrived, Karthik had resigned himself to the idea that no one was coming. He felt a pang of disappointment, realizing that it was foolish to expect anything different. This was his life now—

Hi!

Siddharth waved at Karthik, sticking his head inside the ward with a mischievous grin. Karthik's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped in disbelief. Siddharth, clearly enjoying the surprise, grinned even wider and frolicked into the room like he owned the place, leaving Karthik momentarily speechless.

Neenga?!-

(You?!-)

Wait wait wait

Siddharth quickly interrupted Karthik, who was on the verge of bursting. With a calm yet playful demeanor, he placed the food container he had brought on the nearby table. Before Karthik could say anything, Siddharth fished out his mobile from his pocket, holding it up as if it contained the answer to all of Karthik's frustrations.

Nee tension aga kudadhu'nu sollirukanga, adhunala avangale unaku explain panuvanga

( I was told that you shouldn't get angry, so it's better that she explains to you) 

Siddharth called Neha and she answered it on the first ring,

Ahn, Neha. Vandhuten ma. Iru iru tharen

( Ahn Neha, I've reached, I'll give it to him)

Siddharth smiled, enjoying Karthik's confused expression, and thrust the phone into his hand, pressing it against Karthik's ear.

Hello, Karthik?

Yen neenga varla?

( Why are not here?)

Siddharth, setting the food on the table, glanced back at Karthik with a smile. Hearing Neha's familiar voice clearly lifted Karthik's spirits. As Karthik settled into a more relaxed posture, Siddharth quietly resumed serving the lunch he brought.

Enaku konjam odhambu seri illa, adhunala vara mudhila. Inniki avaru unaku saapadhu tharuvaru, seriya?

( I'm feeling a bit unwell today, so I couldn't come. He will be there with you today, okay?)

Ivarra?

( He?)

Karthik slowly dragged his gaze over Siddharth, scrutinizing him from head to toe with a skeptical expression. Siddharth, unfazed, gave him a blank poker face in return. Neha couldn't help but laugh. She started explaining, her tone light and reassuring, trying to ease Karthik's guarded nature.